Measles information for Starship families

Measles is a highly infectious viral illness that can be very serious. It affects both children and adults. The only way to protect your family from getting measles is through immunisation. Ensure your child receives their vaccination on time at 15 months (12 months in Auckland) and 4 years. To find out more about getting your vaccinations, contact your local doctor.

To try and reduce the risk of passing measles on to our patients, we are currently asking that only one caregiver stays in the hospital with their child at any time and that visitors, including brothers and sisters, are being asked not to come to the hospital.

If you or anyone in your family have any of the symptoms of measles, such as a cough, runny nose, sore red eyes or rash, please do not come to visit patients in the hospital or attend an appointment. If your child needs medical care please let your doctor or the hospital know in advance that you think your child might have measles, so they can take precautions to reduce the possible spread to anybody else.

If your child is at a higher risk of catching measles (immunocompromised children such as those having chemotherapy or with other medical conditions), you will receive guidance from your clinical team. If you are unsure about what to do, please contact your nurse specialist or other member of your specialist team.